Twenty Great Dates
Are you about to meet that intriguing person with whom you've been corresponding for weeks, spoken to on the phone and are now ready to meet? You could opt for the standard "check each other out" quickie coffee date, but a little voice in your head is telling you that this person is different. You can't explain it. You just know. And if the stars are aligned and you two become yet another Date.com success story, countless people will ask you the details of how you met. So why say "We met at Starbucks" when you can add some sparkle to your date, your future stories and your memories? Whether it's a first date or a fiftieth, these fun and inexpensive ideas are meant to inspire...
1. Picnic at sunset
Pick something up from the deli at a local grocery store or gourmet shop. Grab a bottle of wine (don’t forget the bottle opener)! Toss in some strawberries and whipped cream for a romantic finish to dinner.
2. The local planetarium
Nothing sets up romance like looking at the stars. Bring a pack of breath mints and watch the sparks fly!
3. Scenic drive & hike
Taking the scenic route can be romantic and adventurous. Go somewhere you haven’t been like a cavern or just a road you’ve always wondered about but never had the time to explore.
4. Bike or motorcycle ride
Riding a bike through the countryside or down the beach is always exhilarating. Although conversation is minimal, there’s something to be said for quiet time spent together
5. Horseback riding
Costs on average are $20. an hour per person. Need I say more? This one’s straight out of the movies!
6. The local zoo
Most admission fees are under 10 dollars, and some are free. Walking around looking at all the beautiful animals is sure to put you both in a cuddly mood.
7. Visit a museum
This is usually free, or a couple bucks each at most. If art sounds boring, try a wax museum, or a historical museum. There are all kinds of museums out there that are a great source of entertainment.
8. Play Bingo
Yes, you may run into an abundant number of old-timers, but you might be surprised at what you can learn from them.
9. Paint-your-own pottery
On average, materials, paint, glaze, etc. will run about $15. per person. Tap into your creative side and have fun with it.
10. Test-drive cars
Who said you have to be looking to buy a car to test drive it? Plus, the sense of adventure can enhance the romance of the situation.
11. Wine tasting
If you have local vineyards, then by all means, take a tour. Otherwise, local wine shops always offer periodic wine tastings and they are almost always free.
12. Coffee and a bookstore
Savoring a nice cuppa joe while curled up in a fluffy chair is always a nice way to spend time together. Photography and art books are great to look at together, and can spark great conversation.
13. Bowling
There's nothing like a good old fashioned night of bowling. A lot of places offer “cosmic” (late night) bowling which always attracts a fun and young crowd.
14. Make dinner at home - go out for dessert
This time you’ll have enough money to splurge on dessert!
15. Hay rides or sleigh rides
A lot of people are deterred from the outdoors during the fall and winter months because of the cold weather. This just gives you the chance to NECESSARILY snuggle extra close!
16. Go fly a kite…or two
If you don't already have one, kites, on average, cost about five dollars at a local discount store. You can see whose kite will fly the highest and farthest.
17. Fruit picking
Typically you only pay for what you pick at rural orchards. Although it's a down and dirty activity, sometimes those are the most fun.
18. Helicopter rides
This is much cheaper than you think! Depending on your location, generally $30. a couple will get you a ride around the city. The night lights and excitement are sure to spark some romance.
19. Visit garage/yard sales
Make it a contest to see who can buy the coolest item for under five bucks.
20. Listen to music and dance
Find an outdoor venue that has bands playing regularly. Or, find an old record player and go look for old cheap records to listen to.
- Date ideas courtesy of Elizabeth Vann
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